WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (DEBRIGARH)

INTRODUCTION
Forest Division : Hirakud (Wildlife) Division

District : Sambalpur

Date of Notification : 08-02-1985

Notified Area : 346.91sq.kms

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, an important site for in-situ conservation of wildlife and its
habitat in the state of Odisha is home to an immense array of biodiversity, a large
number of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, odonates, butterflies
and spiders are found here.The sanctuary is famous for its sylvan beauty and pristine
wilderness. The dry deciduous forests with varied flora and fauna attract the nature-
lovers of Odisha and neighboring states every year. The combination of dry deciduous
mixed forests with rich wildlife, Hirakud reservoir and attractive topographical features
are the important features of Debrigarh wildlife sanctury.It is said to be one of the
vibrant wildlife sanctuary of the state.
QUICK FACTS
 It is one of the important sanctuary in Odisha, this is also known for the waterfalls
falling down the hillsides in the monsoon season.

 The Hirakud reservoir attracts large number of migratory birds during winter.

 Chausingha,Gaur,elephant,Sambar and Spotted Deer, Bear, Leopard, porcupine,

Jackal, Fox, Wolf, Hyena, Wild Dog are the main species found only at the
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

HOW TO REACH
By Road : The Sanctuary can be entered through Dhodrokusum by the Hirakud
reservoir and is situated 60 kms from Baragarh and 40 kms from Sambalpur.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Sambalpur which is 40km Away.
By Air : The nearest airport is Raipur and Bhubaneswar.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE
 There are 6 Eco-tourism Cottages in this Sanctuary which can be booked online
from the site www.ecotourodisha.com

 Boating facility is available at Debrigarh Sanctuary only on prior intimation.

 Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest Houses in Dhodrokusum and

DechuaGeneral visitors are allowed to visit the sanctuary from 6:00am to 6:00pm
from Dhodrokusum to Chourasimal on the forest road(21kms approximately)

SALIENT DETAIL
Longitude 83° 30' to 83° 46'(East) Latitude 21° 28' to 21°
Geographic Extent:
44'(North)
Climate : Temperature - In summer: 45°C, In winter: 8°C(Approx.).
Villages : None
Divisional Forest Officer, Hirakud Wildlife Division,
Contact officer: Sambalpur. Phone no: 0663-2548743 Email:
hirakudwildlife1@gmail.com
November - March (Sanctuary remains closed from 15th
Best time to visit:
June to 30th October)
 1. ELEPHANT
With industrialisation and mining activities making a dent into elephant corridors in
the region, the herds have found a safe abode at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in
Baraphad Hill Range, on the periphery of Hirakud Dam Reservoir (HDR).
However, the death of two elephants after they came in contact with live wire laid to
trap wild boars near Chal village in Ambhabhona block of Bargarh district brings into
focus the need to sensitise the villagers on protection of wildlife.
Dwindling habitat had elephants stray into villages with reports of electrocution
causing concern.
Reports said at least 26 elephants, including a tusker and six calves, have trooped
into the Sanctuary area. Their presence has enthused wildlife lovers. However, the
district reported 19 jumbo deaths in the last five years.
Barely 30 km from Sambalpur, the hill range is spread over 777 square km and
connects Chhattisgarh on one side and Sundargarh district on the other. With water
in abundance as two thirds of the boundary of the Sanctuary abutting the HDR, the
Elephants have found it a safe haven.
As per the report of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, two elephants were spotted in
2007, followed by four the following year while 18 had sneaked into the area in 2010
with nine spotted in the Sanctuary, rich in fauna and flora, last year.
Locals revealed that the elephants are moving in from Hemgir reserve forest in
Sundargarh. The herds had crossed over during summer when water level in the
reservoir was low and since then made Debrigarh their home. Coal mining and
movement of heavy vehicles could have forced the elephants out of their habitat, they
added.
The DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division, Manoj V Nayyar, said Debrigarh is an ideal
habitat for elephants with abundant water and bamboo plantation. But once the herds
move out to Dechaun reserve forest in Bargarh district, they face threat. Special
squads have been formed to keep a strict vigil on their movement.
With industrialisation and mining activities making a dent into elephant corridors in
the region, the herds have found a safe abode at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in
Baraphad Hill Range, on the periphery of Hirakud Dam Reservoir (HDR).
However, the death of two elephants after they came in contact with live wire laid to
trap wild boars near Chal village in Ambhabhona block of Bargarh district brings into
focus the need to sensitise the villagers on protection of wildlife.
Dwindling habitat had elephants stray into villages with reports of electrocution
causing concern.
Reports said at least 26 elephants, including a tusker and six calves, have trooped
into the Sanctuary area. Their presence has enthused wildlife lovers. However, the
district reported 19 jumbo deaths in the last five years.
Barely 30 km from Sambalpur, the hill range is spread over 777 square km and
connects Chhattisgarh on one side and Sundargarh district on the other. With water
in abundance as two thirds of the boundary of the Sanctuary abutting the HDR, the
Elephants have found it a safe haven.
As per the report of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, two elephants were spotted in
2007, followed by four the following year while 18 had sneaked into the area in 2010
with nine spotted in the Sanctuary, rich in fauna and flora, last year.
Locals revealed that the elephants are moving in from Hemgir reserve forest in
Sundargarh. The herds had crossed over during summer when water level in the
reservoir was low and since then made Debrigarh their home. Coal mining and
movement of heavy vehicles could have forced the elephants out of their habitat, they
added.
The DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division, Manoj V Nayyar, said Debrigarh is an ideal
habitat for elephants with abundant water and bamboo plantation. But once the herds
move out to Dechaun reserve forest in Bargarh district, they face threat. Special
squads have been formed to keep a strict vigil on their movement.
 2. TIGER
There are talks that Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is going to be converted into a Tiger
Reserve by the Tiger Conservation Authority of India as well as by the Wild Life
Authority of India. Even before it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on February 8,
1985, it was a tiger habitat. Its natural landscape is very much suitable for the growth
and propagation of various flora and fauna.

The sanctuary is situated within undivided district of Samabalpur. The total area of the
sanctuary is 346.90 sqkm. The Hirakud Dam is situated in the close proximity of the
sanctuary. It is a rich habitat of avifauna of residential and non-residential birds.

The migratory birds from different parts of the globe come to the artificial reservoir to
pass the severity of winter. Its climate is very suitable for Sal, Baija, Asan, Anla, Dhaura,
Bandhan and Gambhari with other associates species. For presence of such type of
evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of tropical origin, the land has to be very suitable.
Needless to say, the sanctuary is an ideal home for all types of flora and fauna. Both
carnivorous and herbivorous animals are seen. Its ground floras are also very rich.
Among the carnivores, tigers, leopards, hyenas, wolves etc are seen. Similarly, among
the herbivores, Gour, Sambar, spotted deer, Chowsingha, and bears etc are seen.
Different kinds of reptiles such as monitor lizard, chameleon etc are noticed in the
biosphere. The pride of the sanctuary is the presence of Royal Bengal Tigers (RBT) and
elephants.

There are four forest villages as such Jhagadabehera, Lambipalli, Debigrah and
Mundakali inside the sanctuary. The core area of the sanctuary is 79.80 sqkm. The
Hirakud Dam reservoir is 35 km from Sambalpur headquarters town and 50 km from
Burla town. The communication facilities to the eco-tourism spot are now well -
developed.

The land, which they have been cultivating for years, is not theirs, at least legally. They
are considered as illegal occupants or encroachers and also their villages are not
declared as revenue villages.

Although the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and Rules have been proclaimed by the
Government India long since, they are not worked out by the State Governments.
Especially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very much interested to promoted eco-
tourism by taking into the fold the tribal youths as they have adequate knowledge on
nature and on the physiognomy of the landscapes.

On September 27, the world will observe the World Tourism Day. Now, tourism has
received an industry status and from the sector, the States are receiving huge
revenues. The development of tourism is tantamount to protecting the culture and
heritage of a country. Now, the airport of Jharsuguda is going to be full-fledged and this
would boost the tourism sector of the region.
The potentiality of eco tourism of Odisha as well of western Odisha can be well
exploited for the economic developments of the local people and of the State as there is
a wide scope. The western Odisha has a big chunk of tribal population, with unique
endemic art and culture. The tribal art and culture should be utilised for economic
benefits of the traditional races.

Recently as information goes, the Tiger Conservation Authorities of India and the State
Forest Wild Life Conservation Department have decided to introduce a few outside
tigers in the Debrigarh sanctuary on line of the Satkosia Tiger Conservation Project. If it
is a fact, it sounds well but in every case the potentiality of the tiger habitat is to be
considered.

In a tiger project, there must be sufficient herbs for the herbivores and thereby, there
should be sufficient herbivores for tigers. No habitat can be sustainable, if there is
shortage of herbs or herbivores in a tiger project or even in an elephant project. At
present, there are a few tigers in Debrigarh.

The man-animal conflict is a regular phenomenon in a tiger project. Given this, the
authorities should ensure that the peripheral villagers are safe.

The habitat management of any eco-system is most important. The depletion of tiger or
leopard or elephant population is going on at a very fast rate due to poaching. In respect
of the Debrigah sanctuary, Smart City Rourkela and Sambalpur town are very close to
it.
 3. BEAR
Bears are large, impressive, extremely popular zoo animals and the subject of
considerable folklore Among them sloth bears (Melursusursinus) are widely distributed
on the Indian subcontinent and on the Islands of Sri Lanka Zoos have responsibility to
provide the best possible house for animals living in restricted environments. The
purpose may be to increase the natural habitat, to increase behavioural diversity and
number of normal behavioural patterns, to reduce the frequencies of abnormal behavior,
to increase reproductive success, or to make them more visible to the public

Most of the bear species kept under captivity exhibited abnormal behaviours because of
the small enclosures in the zoos . This greatly reduced the opportunity to exhibit its
natural behaviour. Bears kept in such barren environments show an overall decrease in
interaction with the environment that tends to perform stereotypies Stereotypies are
high repetitive uniform sequences of behaviour, which seem to be of no functional value
to the animals. However, the barren environments are not the unique reason for
stereotypies. Age, husbandry procedures rearing history, and genetic factor have been
implicated in the cause of stereotypic behaviours. Since welfare and occupational
engagement of animals are of utmost importance for the successful conservation and
breeding of animals modern day zoos are implementing environmental enrichment.
CONCLUSION
Wildlife conservation includes all human efforts topreserve wild animals from extinction.
It involves theprotection and wise management of wild species of theirenvironment.
Some species have become extinct due tonatural activities. The progress of man
throughout has beenbeneficial for the human race but it is the wildlife that hassuffered
through the years. Inventions of sophisticatedweapons, industrialization, urbanisation,
and evenincreasing human population have been some of the majorcauses for
dwindling of our rich resources. Hunting,clearing of forests, drawing of swamps and
damming ofrivers for irrigation and industry - this is what we appraiseof man's progress.
These activities have vastly reduced thenatural habitats of our wildlife and many
species areendangered or nearly extinct.Extinction is a 'biological reality' for no species
has asyet existed for more than a few million years withoutevolving into something
different, or dying out completely.Success in evolution is measured in terms of survival
andfailure by extinction. Once a species is extinct because ofnatural causes or human
activities, it is gone forever. It isbelieved that each individual wild creature has a right
tosurvive without human interference, just as each humanbeing has the right to survive.
 content
 INTRODUCTION
 QUICK FACTS
 HOW TO REACH
 FACILITIES AVAILABLE
 SALIENT DETAIL
 ELEPHANT
 TIGER
 BEAR
 CONCLUSION